Authorities search for missing pregnant woman

January 2, 2014

Officials launched a search for Melissa Rene Sowders, who was reported missing after she was last seen the day after Christmas. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, reportedly told friends she was going to the restaurant to meet her estranged husband and youngest daughter.

Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle

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Matthew Sowders, 28, acknowledges the presence of his father as he is walked out of the 338th State District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse after his first court appearance. Sowders was charged with capital murder after the body of Melissa Rene Sowders was found in the waters of Cypress Creek. Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston.

Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle

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Matthew Sowders, 28, acknowledges the presence of his father as he is walked out of the 338th State District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse after his first court appearance. Sowders was charged with capital murder after the body of Melissa Rene Sowders was found in the waters of Cypress Creek. Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston.